Movies: Past, present and future

'Percy Jackson' sequel could be on its way

March 1, 2011 | 6:58pm

EXCLUSIVE: Fans waiting for a sequel to "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" may not have to wait that much longer.

Fox 2000, the 20th Century Fox label behind the adventure franchise, is putting a follow-up project to the 2010 young-adult film in active development and could shoot it as early as this summer, according to a person who has been briefed on the project's status but was not authorized to speak publicly about it. The movie would be subtitled "The Sea of Monsters" and derive from the second book in Rick Riordan's five-book series.

The studio has hired Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski -- who wrote "Ed Wood" and "Agent Cody Banks" -- to write a script for the new film, which they are currently doing. But the person cautioned that the project is still very much at the development phase; the movie, for instance, does not yet have a director.

Chris Columbus, who helmed the first installment, is not expected to return, although he will produce the picture, as will "Breaking Dawn" producer Karen Rosenfelt, who also produced "Lightning Thief."

The lead cast members, headed by Logan Lerman as Percy Jackson, will come back, according to the person who was briefed.

A Fox spokeswoman declined to comment.

The first film introduced the world to an ordinary boy who discovers that he is the son of the Greek god Poseidon, and that many elements from ancient Greek mythology still exist today. (The film aged up the character from 12, which he was in the novel, to 17.) Riordan's second book follows Percy and his group of friends as they head to the titular sea to find the mythical Golden Fleece and to free a friend who has been captured there.

A "Percy Jackson" sequel had been a question mark since the original came out a little over a year ago. Riordan's books are hugely popular, with the series spending more than three years on the New York Times bestseller list. The original film was a modest hit, fueled by its performance overseas: It grossed a decent $89 million in the U.S. but pulled in an additional $137 million around the world.

Young-adult movies tend to spawn sequels relatively quickly, as studios worry that both a cast and an audience can grow out of a franchise. But one person familiar with the project said that Fox believes that the ongoing popularity of the books is more than sufficient to overcome a potential two-year lag between films.

IF this does happen (and book fans hope it does), then a big "thank you" in advance to Fox. The book series is fantastic and deserve another shot at becoming a successful film series. It's a shame that the first film went down the wrong path. Movie 2 has a good start so far: 1) they've hired new screenwriters (please!! stick closer to the book this time!); 2) Columbus is not directing; 3) and the 3 charismatic leads, esp. Logan, are returning. So far, so good. Stay faithful to your source material and Fox will be on its way to winning back the books' avid fan base.

I hope this movie gets made, and that the filmmakers will learn from their mistakes from Lightning Thief. It would be a huge shame to miss out and not see the amazing "Titans Curse" and "The Last Olympian" brought to life. With the "Harry Potter" and "Twilight" series ending, book and movie fans will need fresh blood (no pun intended) to fill the void. "The Hunger Games," "Mortal Instruments" and "Percy Jackson" can all fill that void. (And for you skeptics, do yourselves a favor and read the books first before making a judgement call).

Dear Script Writers. I'm Really excited to see what you come up with! PLEASE BRING BACK CLARISSE THOUGH! she was such a big part in the books, and quite frankly one of my favorites. She is like my dream part and if i cant play her i want to see someone elese take on her. SHE IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART. Dont forget her.

Please, please, please! Make this better than the last movie! Oh, and can you make Percy twelve again? It was better to have the character grow and mature throughout the books (and movies) than to just thrust some random seventeen year old into the movie and expect us to believe he's percy. I mean, really? Chris Columbus, I can't believe you!

I watched the movie first and thought it was a decent movie.. When I read the first book, I was stunned on how great the book was and how HORRIBLE the movie was compared to the book.. I compare this to Eragon. An amazing book with a horrible movie with it.

The person they chose for Percy was eh. They should have chosen the lead actor of The Sorcerer's Apprentice. At least it would have fit more..